The Preparatory Course is an extensive preparatory programme preceding the Bachelor's degree programme in Art and Design.
Is the Preparatory course right for me?
If you are 25 or younger, have obtained at least a HAVO or MBO-4 diploma, and you want to prepare for the Bachelor’s programme in Visual Arts and Design at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, the Preparatory course will be suitable for you.
What does the programme entail?
You will be taught 2D and 3D design and visual arts. Theory and drawing classes are a regular part of the course. You will also learn to independently reflect on your work.
What are the current measures against Covid-19 at the academy?
During the coronavirus pandemic, the entire academy is observing safety measures. As far as possible, physical classes are continuing at the academy, but safety is paramount.
How much time will I spend on the course?
The course lasts 25 weeks, from September to April, with three half-days of lessons each week. There are 3 groups, with classes on same days but mainly different hours.
To give an idea of this, a timetable could be as follows:
Monday morning, drawing class (3 hours)
Mondays afternoon or evening: design class (3 hours)
Wednesday: fine art class (3 hours)
Friday afternoons: A combined programme of theory, drawing, visiting exhibitions and a project.
Good to know: In addition to the weekly schedule, you can register for short introductions at the general workshops such as: wood, metal, computer, printing and typesetting. The specialistic workshops are for departmental use only.
We do not recommend taking other studies in addition to the Preparatory programme as it is quite intensive.
What are my options if I complete the Preparatory course?
There are 2 assessment moments: one around the Christmas holidays, and the other in April. For the final assessment in April, you can also apply for the Basicyear. When you complete the April assessment with a satisfactory result, you can be admitted to the Basicyear, the 1st academic year of the Bachelor’s programme.
You can also apply to another art academy with the portfolio that's you made during this course.
Everyone will receive a certificate in April.
What language are the lessons taught in?
Classes are in English, as many of the participants come from abroad.
How do I register?
Registration for the Preparatory course 2023-2024 opens mid-November.
Download the digital form here.
Admissions rounds are scheduled for 31 May and 21 June 2023.
When do the admission rounds take place?
31 May 2023 for Non-EU and EU applicants
21 June 2023 for EU applicants only
How does the admission interview work?
The Preparatory course is preceded by a selection process.
Candidates must submit their portfolio online.
On the basis of your own work portfolio and completed home assignments, two tutors will review your application. In addition to the detailed home assignments, the work you show can consist of sketches, doodles, photos, videos, spatial work. The more the better.
Show us everything that tells us how you feel about coming to study with us.
When does the Preparatory course start?
The Preparatory course 2023 starts with an introduction in September.
Here you can meet the tutors and your classmates. Classes begin a few days later.
What is the course fee?
The 2022-2023 course fee was € 2,088.
The Course fee for 2023-2024 is still to be decided.
PLEASE NOTE: the course fee must be transferred in one go (before the start of the course). It is not possible to pay in instalments. Participation in the Preparatory course does not entitle you to student finance.
What’s an example of an assignment from the Preparatory course?
In the Preparatory course, each assignment contains a problem that invites the participant to delve into questions to which they cannot provide predictable visual answers. This challenges the agility of the participant and gives the imagination a chance.
Examples of visual art exercises:
1. Make a bag that can be dangerous for a specific object or subject, for example for a person, for itself, for other bags, for...?
2. Make an audio tape for a space that is unknown to you. By recording, creating and editing different sounds, on the street, at home, the space starts to take shape. Then also make a drawing of that space made by sounds.